Design, Technology & Best Practices

Deposit Return Systems (DRS) are rapidly becoming a cornerstone of modern recycling infrastructure. As countries across Europe and globally implement or expand deposit schemes, the need for efficient, scalable, and automated sorting solutions has never been greater.

At Nordic Recycling Systems, we specialize in designing and delivering high-performance DRS sorting facilities tailored for both retail and industrial environments.

What is a Deposit Return System (DRS)?

A Deposit Return System (DRS) is a recycling scheme where consumers pay a small deposit when purchasing beverages, which is refunded when the empty container is returned.

DRS is designed to:

Increase recycling rates (often above 90%)
Ensure high-quality material streams
Reduce litter and environmental impact

Typical materials handled include:

PET bottles

Aluminum cans

Glass bottles (in some markets)

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How a Modern DRS Facility Works

A modern DRS system combines reverse vending machines (RVMs), logistics, and centralized sorting facilities.

Process flow:

Collection – Containers are returned via RVMs or manual points
Compaction & Transport – Materials are compacted and transported efficiently
Reception – Bulk material arrives at the sorting facility
Sorting & Separation – Automated systems identify and separate materials
Baling & Output – Materials are prepared for recycling

Automation is key to handling high volumes with minimal labor and maximum uptime.

Design of DRS Sorting Facilities

Designing an efficient DRS facility requires a holistic approach.

Key design considerations:

Throughput capacity (tons/hour)
Material mix (PET, cans, glass)
Redundancy and uptime requirements
Footprint and layout optimization
Integration with existing infrastructure

At Nordic Recycling Systems, we focus on modular and scalable designs that allow future expansion.

Common Challenges in DRS Facilities

Even well-designed systems face operational challenges:

Typical issues include:

Bottlenecks in material flow

Contamination in material streams
High manual handling requirements
Downtime due to mechanical failures
Inefficient logistics between retail and sorting

Addressing these challenges requires both smart engineering and robust technology.

Technologies Used in Modern DRS Systems

Modern DRS facilities rely on advanced technologies to ensure efficiency and accuracy.

Core technologies include:
Optical sorting (NIR and camera-based system
Air transport systems for material handling
Automated bag openers and feeding systems
Compaction and baling solutions
Data tracking and system monitoring

Our solutions integrate these technologies into a seamless, high-performance system.

Best Practices

Norway is considered a global benchmark for DRS performance, with return rates exceeding 95%.

Key success factors:

Strong system integration
(retail → logistics → sorting)

High level of automation
Standardized processes across the value chain
Reliable infrastructure with minimal downtime

These principles form the foundation of our system designs.

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